Small back gives LocomotivesÕ run game look of high-speed rail

IF YOU GO

What: Las Vegas Locomotives

vs. Florida Tuskers

When: 6 tonight

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium

Tickets: $7; unlvtickets.com

Two months ago DeDe Dorsey was a star on the HBO reality series ÒHard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.Ó In the showÕs finale the running back became the final player to make the roster.

But before the BengalsÕ first game, Dorsey was cut to make room for first-round draft choice Andre Smith.

ÒI guess thatÕs just how it went,Ó Dorsey said. ÒThey needed a spot for Andre.Ó

It didnÕt take long for Dorsey to land another starring role — on the Las Vegas Locomotives.

In the opener at Sam Boyd Stadium last week, Dorsey thrilled the crowd, rushing nine times for 63 yards and a touchdown and catching four passes for 19 yards and another score in a 30-17 win against the California Redwoods.

He hopes for another strong performance tonight against the Florida Tuskers.

An undersized running back — heÕs generously listed as 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds in the media guide, Dorsey relies on speed and elusiveness to impress.

ÒDeDe is obviously flash-and-dash,Ó head coach Jim Fassel said, Òa take-it-to-the-house guy.Ó

Dorsey touched the ball on almost every play of the LocomotivesÕ final, game-clinching drive.

California had trouble adjusting to DorseyÕs running style after dealing with Marcel Shipp for most of the game. Shipp, who had 17 carries for 69 yards, uses power to grind out yards.

ÒHeÕs the bigger guy and can pound a little more on the smaller guys,Ó Dorsey said. ÒI get to the edge more. I think through the combination, weÕre going to have a dangerous running attack.Ó

Dorsey said he is looking forward to tonightÕs game for the chance to face off against former Bengals teammates Odell Thurman and Dexter Jackson.

Although Dorsey says heÕs committed to the UFL, he admits heÕd love to get back to the NFL. He wouldnÕt mind participating in another season of ÒHard KnocksÓ either.

ÒIt was a great experience,Ó Dorsey said. ÒPeople actually got to see what the guys are like off the field, instead of just a number on a jersey.Ó

Case Keefer can be reached

at 948-2790 or at case.keefer